The Arizona Cardinals’ busy start to free agency did not include inside linebacker Kyzir White or offensive lineman Will Hernandez, two key players from the past two seasons.
And although they are among the best free agents left unsigned this offseason in the eyes of ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, a reunion isn’t in the cards for either in his latest assessment of best landing spots for those still looking for a home.
Former Cardinals OL Will Hernandez’s health status unknown
The biggest factor behind why Hernandez hasn’t signed with a team this offseason likely centers around his current health status after suffering a torn ACL in Week 5 of last year.
Is he on track to play in Week 1? That’s a very big question.
Before the injury, though, Hernandez had been one of the team’s best offensive linemen. A mauler in the middle, Hernandez provided a steady pass-blocking presence for quarterback Kyler Murray across three season (35 starts).
There is, however, more than just the injury that prospective teams have to keep in mind regarding Hernandez.
If he’s healthy after the injury, his acquisition could be a bargain given what even average guards are making on the open market. As a free agent who would qualify for a compensatory pick, teams might be waiting to sign him after June 1, when his medical status should be clearer and he won’t count against his new team’s compensatory formula.
As for Hernandez’s ideal team fits, Barnwell lists the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks.
Door not totally shut on Kyzir White re-signing?
No, Barnwell did not list the Cardinals as an ideal team for White this offseason. Instead, he has the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans as perfect landing spots.
Barnwell does, however, believe a reunion wouldn’t be the worst idea.
A reunion with the Cardinals would probably make the most sense for all parties involved, especially given that his market hasn’t really developed to the point where he would be out of the mix for Arizona. The Cardinals brought in Akeem Davis-Gaither from the Bengals on a two-year, $10 million deal, but that shouldn’t necessarily close the door on White in Arizona. If it does, a team with a creative defensive coordinator should find a useful role for him.
White is coming off one of his best seasons as a pro, recording 137 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception and eight QB hits in 17 starts.
A two-time team captain, White was also a locker room presence alongside running back James Conner, safety Budda Baker and quarterback Kyler Murray.
The connection between White, head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis was another positive, with the coordinator naming his son after the MIKE backer.
But after the Cardinals added Davis-Gaither and Mykal Walker to the inside linebackers room, seeing White return to the fold doesn’t seem likely.
Follow @Tdrake4sports
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ESPN’s Barnwell: Cardinals not among ideal team fits for Kyzir White, Will Hernandez )
Also on site :